MISS POLLY

ArtbyMissPolly

Polly Johnstone is a Darwin-based artist, muralist, and arts educator whose work celebrates the unique landscapes, colours, and stories of Northern Australia. Originally from Adelaide, Polly has called the Northern Territory home for more than twenty years and draws continual inspiration from its dramatic seasons, native flora and fauna, and vibrant communities.

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Working across painting, public art, and large-scale murals, Polly's practice explores themes of place, memory, identity, and connection. Her artworks often feature iconic Territory subjects, from flowering poincianas and pandanus palms to native birds and tropical landscapes, capturing the beauty and character of the Top End through bold colour and expressive mark-making.

Known in the street art community as "Miss Polly," she has been a regular participant in the Darwin Street Art Festival since 2017, creating public artworks that bring colour, storytelling, and a sense of place to urban spaces. Her murals can be found throughout Darwin and beyond, contributing to the cultural fabric of the region.

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Alongside her professional art practice, Polly is the Head of Visual Arts at Haileybury Rendall School, where she is passionate about fostering creativity and confidence in young artists. She works closely with students from across the Northern Territory, encouraging them to explore their own stories, cultures, and connections to place through artmaking.

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Through both her teaching and artistic practice, Polly believes that art has the power to connect people, spark conversations, and celebrate the landscapes and communities that shape who we are.